No hugs. No handshakes. For the foreseeable future this will be the norm. Maybe we never appreciated the human touch before. There was the cuddle when the youngster grazed their knee. There was the lovers’ embrace and kiss. A pat on the back saying ‘well done,’ was welcome and encouraging.
Now for a while we have to keep our distance. This is right and sensible. By being diligent we will overcome this virus. Though touching will eventually make a welcome return.
Touching was part of the agenda for Jesus. In the book of Luke we read ‘People were also bringing babies to Jesus to have Him touch them.’ After the resurrection of Jesus He invites his disciples to touch Him, ‘It is I myself! Touch me and see.’
In Matthew we read ‘People brought all their sick to Him and begged Him to let the sick touch the edge of His cloak and all who touched Him were healed.’ Then the woman who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years said to herself ‘If I only touch His cloak, I will be healed.’
Today the touch of Jesus is demonstrated by our caring and sacrificial medical staff.